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Social Welfare Benefits.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

Questions (626, 627, 628)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

624 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will qualify for one-parent family payment; if the long form birth certificate can be returned to her, as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8712/04]

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Written answers

Last August the person concerned applied for the one-parent family payment. Based on the information obtained from its examination of her circumstances, the Department wrote to her seeking clarification of certain aspects. When she replies a decision will be made on her claim and she will be informed of the outcome. The certificates forwarded in support of her claim have been returned to her.

Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. They are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.

Willie Penrose

Question:

625 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will amend the position whereby a person must have five years PRSI contributions before they are entitled to dental benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8835/04]

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The treatment benefit scheme provides a range of benefits in the areas of dental, optical and aural treatment for qualified PRSI contributors and their dependent spouses. The PRSI contribution conditions for these benefits vary depending on the age of the insured person.

At present I have no plans to change the qualifying conditions of the treatment benefit scheme. Changes would have financial implications. They would also be a matter for consideration within the constraints of budgetary policy and the best targeting of available resources.

Finian McGrath

Question:

626 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an application for sick pay will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will ensure that all widows in similar situations are treated fairly and with dignity. [8839/04]

View answer

My Department has no record of a recent application for disability benefit from the person concerned.

In the context of preparation of the spending Estimates for 2004, entitlement to the concurrent payment of a number of benefits, including the payment of disability benefit concurrently with widow or widower's pensions, was discontinued for new claimants with effect from 19 January. Existing recipients were not affected by the measure for the duration of their claim.

As the person concerned is in receipt of a widow's contributory pension at the maximum rate she is no longer entitled to claim disability benefit concurrently. The measure was introduced in response to the pressure on Government spending and to provide scope for other improvements in social welfare provision in the budget. The operation of this and other measures will be kept under review and any necessary adjustments will be made in the light of this.

In the event of the person concerned becoming unfit for work in the future she should submit medical certificates to my Department. She will then be awarded credited contributions during the period.

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